About
Professional Summary
Art Mandelbaum is an experienced attorney who has made a significant impact in both the legal and business fields. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Law and Public Policy, with minors in Biology and Spanish, from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1986. He then went on to pursue his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, which he completed in 1989. During his law school years, he focused on corporate and business law, which would later become the main focus of his legal career.
Upon graduation, Art began his legal career as an associate attorney in the corporate, business, and real estate division at Carson Boxberger LLP, a law firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was later promoted to partner, where he continued to specialize in corporate and business law, including corporate formation, mergers and acquisitions, estate planning and financial management, real estate transactions law, and labor and employment matters. Art's exceptional performance and client development efforts allowed him to become the first associate attorney to be made a partner in the firm in less than seven years (5 years). He also managed recruitment of associate attorneys for six years and para-professional staff for three years.
Starting in 2002, Art began entrepreneurial endeavors while continuing his law practice. These entrepreneurial activities have provided Art a unique perspective on practicing law and owning and operating closely held companies. These experiences have enhanced Art’s legal abilities.
In 2002, Art co-owned Baekgaard Ltd of Indiana, Inc., a company that manufactured travel bags and accessories. He partnered with Vera Bradley Designs co-founder and former law client in the acquisition of the company. Art was appointed as President of Baekgaard, where he was responsible for the management, restructuring, and growth of the company. During his tenure, he grew the sales by more than 100 times and won numerous awards from industry organizations for success in growth, product development, customer development, and service to the industry. Art also collaborated with the executive team of Vera Bradley Designs on matters involving business and legal strategy of Baekgaard as well as Vera Bradley.
After leaving Baekgaard in 2010, Art founded Mandelbaum Law Offices in Carmel, Indiana, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a solo practitioner, he provided general business, corporate, and real estate legal services to clients. Art's areas of practice included counseling closely held business owners on legal matters, negotiating and drafting agreements, business formations, mergers and acquisitions, representation of clients in administrative law matters, and real estate transaction work.
In 2011, Art was recruited to serve as President and co-owner of cinda b USA, LLC, a handbag, travel bag, and accessory manufacturer. During his tenure, he grew the sales by more than 600% and implemented Toyota Production System method of lean operating, which increased inventory turns by more than two times and fulfillment rates by more than 25%. Art developed a national sales force covering all 50 states and the Caribbean and added retail locations throughout the USA.
In 2013, Art was recruited to serve as President of Natural Life Collections, Inc., a gifts and accessories company based in Jacksonville, Florida. He implemented Toyota Production System method of lean operating, developed a continuous improvement program, and developed a national sales and distribution strategy. As a result of the implementation of the sales and operational strategies, sales revenues of Natural Life grew by more than 100% while net profit for the company increased by more than 50%. Art also managed various corporate legal matters and negotiations for Natural Life while serving as President.
In 2014, Art founded Gratitude LLC, a gift and accessories brand that officially launched in July of 2015. He focused on mentoring emerging designers to teach them the business side of retail and formed an executive management team of industry leaders from companies such as Baekgaard, cinda b, Natural Life, and others to launch this brand.